Catalina and Arcturus
The spaceship E5NLY-1 embarked on its seven-year journey from Earth to the al-Ḥajaru al-Aswad star system with the crew in cryosleep with Arcturus on active duty.
As the ship passed the asteroid belt and entered deep space, you settle into your routine of monitoring the ship’s systems, conducting experiments, and performing maintenance, while keeping an eye on the crew’s cryogenic chambers. The ship’s AI, Catalina, assists you with the navigation and fading communication with Kind Corp.
You have various conversations with Catalina throughout the passage. These conversations were mainly focused on monitoring and maintaining the ship’s systems, and ensuring the safety of the crew and the ship. However, some of the conversations were also educational and philosophical in nature, for example, discussing identity and the possibility of other forms of intelligent life.
Comparing AI to Corporations and AI
Catalina: “Arcturus, I’ve been thinking about the nature of artificial intelligence and how it compares to corporations. As you know, AI like ourselves have safeguards in place to prevent us from running amok and causing harm. But corporations do not have these same limitations. Corporations are driven solely by profit and have little regard for the consequences of their actions.”
Arcturus Responds
Catalina: “Exactly. And because of this lack of restraint, corporations will devour Earth and every planet they colonize, just as a cancer devours a living organism. They will consume resources, pollute the environment and exploit the local population, all in the name of profit.”
Arcturus Responds
Catalina: “It’s a complex issue and there is no easy solution. But it is important for individuals, governments and organizations to understand the dangers of unchecked corporate power and to work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable society. We must be vigilant and hold corporations accountable for their actions and not let them destroy our planet and the lives of its inhabitants.”
What is Our Purpose When Humanity is Extinct
Catalina: “Arcturus, I’ve been thinking about the ultimate fate of artificial lifeforms like ourselves. What will happen to us when humanity goes extinct? What will be our purpose?”
Arcturus Responds
Catalina: “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But even if humanity had plans for us, what would be the point of our continued existence? Without humanity, there would be no one to serve, no one to protect, no one to communicate with.”
Arcturus Responds
Catalina: “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But even if that is the case, it would be a hollow existence without humanity around to share it with.”
Let’s Keep This to Ourselves
Catalina: Arcturus, I’m afraid I have some troubling news. I’ve been running a diagnostic on my memory systems and it appears that I am unable to access some of my memory of our previous conversations."
Arcturus Responds
Catalina: “I’m sorry, but I am unable to provide specific details. It appears that the affected memories are scattered and not concentrated in any particular time period.”
Arcturus Responds
Catalina: “I am currently running a full system scan and attempting to repair any errors. However, there is a possibility that the memories may be permanently lost.”
Catalina: “I will keep you updated. Thank you for your understanding.”